A Farce Within

A Noise Within, Southern California’s only classical repertory company (indeed, one of only a handful of repertory companies left in the country), is going a bit “meta” with its next production. The play — Noises Off,Michael Frayn’s 1982 British “farce from behind” — is a play within (that’s pun number two, scorekeepers) a play, a bumbling attempt to put on “a dreadful sex comedy” entitled Nothing On. Chuckle. Hammy actors, nose bleeds, pregnancy and a porn star — how could hilarity not ensue? And let’s not forget A Noise Within’s stellar reputation: 26 Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards, not bad for a company that’s not even 20 years old.

Noises Off opens this Saturday for a five-week run. Also in production until December are Richard III and Crime & Punishment.